TEIFI rugby star Gareth Davies boosted his claim for a place in Wales' World Cup squad as he scored a try in their 20-9 win over England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

The Scarlets scrum half, who hails from Newcastle Emlyn, touched down in the second half, along with George North, to help Wales get their preparations off to a fine start.

Davies, 32, a former pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi in Llandysul, is looking to be a leading light once more on the global stage, having impressed in the past two tournaments.

He is still well remembered for his predatory try against England at Twickenham in the 2015 World Cup, which helped Wales steal their victory against the host nation.

Four years later, he also excelled in the global tournament in Japan in the side that reached the semi-finals, typified by an important interception try against Australia.

Seven of his 15 tries for Wales have come in World Cup campaigns, and now he hopes to play a pivotal part in France when the 2023 competition starts in September.

"I've loved the last two World Cups that I've been involved in," said Davies.

"I think it's just the preparation that leads into it. I love the pre-season side of things. We train hard. I feel like I benefit a lot, especially in this environment.

"Hopefully I can keep going the next couple of months and we'll see how we're looking for the World Cup."

Tivyside Advertiser: Wales' Gareth Davies scores their side's first try of the game during the Summer Nations Series match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.Wales' Gareth Davies scores their side's first try of the game during the Summer Nations Series match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. (Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Rhys Webb's withdrawal from the squad means Davies is one of three remaining scrum-halves in the 47-man squad, alongside Tomos Williams and Kieran Hardy.

"We have been told it's two or three nines so that's up to Gats," said Davies. "Between the three of us, we're all working hard and we get on with each other, so we'll see."

The Welsh defence held England to 9-6 in the first half, with, three Marcus Smith penalties to two from Leigh Halfpenny on the occasion of his 100th cap for his country.

But if it had been a little bit disjointed in the first half, understandably so given it was the first game after a gruelling 12 weeks of training, there was real skill after the break.

Davies tracked an inside line in support of a brilliant combination on the right wing between back row men Aaron Wainwright and inspirational skipper Jac Morgan.

It was a pin-point cross field kick from Sam Costelow that allowed Wainwright to catch the ball on the full, bounce out of a tackle by Danny Care and then release to Morgan.

Skipper Morgan ran into the 22 and heard the call from Davies on his inside to send the scrum half over for his 16th try for Wales to cap a good performance from the No 9.

Tivyside Advertiser: Wales' Gareth Davies with the ball during the Summer Nations Series match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.Wales' Gareth Davies with the ball during the Summer Nations Series match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. (Image: Simon Galloway/PA Wire)

Halfpenny stepped up to add the conversion in the 47th minute, and from there they never looked back as they went on to win 20-9 as England failed to add to their tally.

George North notched his 45th try for his county in the 56th minute, taking a pass at the posts to trot across after great forward pressure, with Halfpenny also adding the extras.

Wales now head to Twickenham for round two against England, and they come back to Principality Stadium to face the reigning world champions, South Africa on 19 August.